Myall River Action Group (MRAG) and Drew Morris from Great Lakes Council (GLC) have been contacted by Myall Coast News regarding the current situation with progress of works.

We can provide updates on the project with the following information.

MRAG reports that the delay in the arrival of dredge is causing concern to Council and is our understanding, that the contract with Birdon calls for completion by 31 October.

It is possible that we now run into the bird problem again, where it is claimed that migratory species will be disturbed.

On the positive side, the project is well under way.

The pipes are on site.  The Corrie Island rehab is well under way and the land based excavation work has produced a deep channel which can be crossed by recreational craft on high tide.

Gordon Grainger from MRAG said, “From my viewpoint, there has been an increase in dolphin activity and the tide race seems quicker than it has been for some years.”

“We would very much appreciate continuing comment on changes being noticed within the river – colour, turbidity, return to normal tide times etc.”

Drew Morris from Council has given the Nota the following information regarding where the Council is currently at with the Myall River project.

On-ground excavation works for the new channel have been completed.

Approximately 34,000 cubic metres of sand was removed manually and placed on the stockpile at Winda Woppa spit. The new channel is now open.

The pipe for the dredge has been delivered and contractors will soon begin erecting the pipeline from Winda Woppa to Jimmys Beach, for the dredge to attach to when it arrives.

Unfortunately we have just been informed by the dredging company (Birdon) that the dredge is still almost a month away from commencing pumping sand to Jimmys Beach. Although their current project in North Queensland has been completed, there have been ongoing delays during the de-mobilisation process.

GLC is discussing any potential impacts of this delayed program with Crown Lands.

Monthly bird surveys of Corrie Island are continuing.

Initial feral animal baiting program is expected to commence next week.

Phase one weed control activities have been completed, and GLC/NPWS staff will be reviewing the outcome of these activities while on site next week.

The dredge seems to be holding up the project and one would hope the contractor makes an effort to get the dredge on site ASAP in order to prevent any time issues with the bird migration problem.

We need the ‘short cut’ up and going prior to the next boating season and to have the river flowing to give us back the marine environment that previously existed here.

The photos clearly shows the deeper channel at The Shortcut after 34,000 tonnes of sand has been removed.